In U.S., many conflicted about abuse

May 09, 2004|By Andrew Jacobs, New York Times News Service.

KENNER, La. — The reaction has been visceral and intense. For millions of Americans, the images of Iraqi prisoners being abused and humiliated at the Abu Ghraib prison are abhorrent, shameful and unbecoming of the nation's humanitarian ideals and Democratic values. Brutalizing Iraqis, they say, even those who may be enemies, runs contrary to the stated purpose of the U.S. invasion and occupation.

But for all the outrage heard in places like Denver, Dallas and Baltimore, many Americans, especially those who say they support the war and President Bush, are conflicted about the photographs from the prison.

In interviews with dozens of people across the country, many said they were repulsed by the images but that they also felt protective of American troops, who have been under increasing attack by insurgents.

And despite widespread agreement that those responsible should be disciplined, many said the punishment should not extend to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who has been facing a growing clamor for his resignation.

"Why blame Rumsfeld when he wasn't even involved?" asked Dorothy Whittemore, 83, a retired librarian from New Orleans. "At a time of war, you have to stay the course and you certainly shouldn't change leaders."

Pat Neil, the owner of a model train and toy store in Dallas where one of the latest items is an "Operation Iraqi Freedom Train," mirrored the sentiments of many when he said he could understand how the violence in Iraq could make American soldiers behave with such vengeance.

"This is war. It's not right, but war's not right," Neil said. "Given the circumstances, I don't see how they would not do something--after seeing their buddies dragged through the streets. They're over there to give the Iraqis freedom, and they're getting killed every day."

Thomas Rhodes, 70, who lives in Cobb County, Ga., said the world was exaggerating the gravity of the prisoners' mistreatment. "As far as I know they weren't hurt, they were humiliated," he said of the Iraqi detainees. "But think of the thousands of bodies in the mass graves over there and what Saddam did to them."

Still, even among those who said they empathized with the pressures facing troops in a combat zone, many recognized that the images would profoundly damage the nation's standing in Iraq, and the world. "The Arabs already hate us, and now we're giving them even more reason to hate us and get revenge," said Rosalind Gittings, 60, a teacher from Baltimore.

In Cincinnati, where residents have been anxiously awaiting word about a kidnapped Army private, many viewed the episode as a threat to the well-being of the soldier, Pfc. Keith Matthew Maupin, who was last seen three weeks ago in grainy video footage surrounded by masked gunmen. "What about our poor little boy from here?" asked Diana Deddy, a pushcart vendor who was serving up hot dogs and sodas outside a Cincinnati post office. "I thought we were better than that, more humane than that. If we're not, then why should the Iraqis or any people show any compassion to Americans?"